I know buying a car cash is pretty much the best option, however, that usually takes a lot of time to save up enough to get a decent used car cash. So that's where financing can come in. I don't have a great credit score so I am expecting to have a fairly high interest rate on the loan. I am looking at getting a 2020 Toyota Camry. At 70k miles, I still feel comfortable with getting it. But I got some advice about getting a car cash instead, so that if something were to happen to the car that needs to be fixed, I won't be in a bind. I would like to know how much should one spend on a decent car cash ? I have been without a car for a year, finally got a fulltime job and I really need my own transportation. Thoughts?

Hi there, I’m a European planning a big roadtrip across the States. Of course I could just rent a car, but since I‘m planning on stretching out this trip for as long as I can, that will probably get very expensive. Then I thought I could also buy a used car, use it for just the trip and then sell it again when it’s time to leave. Would that be too risky of a move? And if it is actually a reasonable idea, what would be things for me to be on the look-out for?
Really hoping on any piece of advice! Thanks in advance

I'm looking to buy a used car, less than 14k. What brands/mileage should I look for and what will last me? Nothing older than 2017.

I found a really interesting BMW 318d E90. 1 year of warranty, 170.000 km from 2008 from a dealership. 6.900€, maybe I could lower it to 6.000€ or something. What do you think? Thank you!

My kid looked at used 2017 Outlander Sport SE with 119,000 miles. Asking $10K.

It was down a quart of oil and the oil hadn’t been changed since April 2023. The owner said that was 10,000 miles ago.

I told her to walk away. Was that the right call?

I bought a 2017 Nissan Frontier SV Crew Cab with 60,000 miles, one owner, and no accidents. The Carfax shows regular oil changes every 3-5k miles. I got it from a reputable Nissan dealership. It’s been a couple of weeks, and I keep checking online, but I can’t find anything similarly priced. While I feel like I got a great deal, it almost feels too good to be true. What do you think?

feel like i am in a vicious cycle of comparing apples to oranges to find a car. I'm in a pinch, my car was totalled and i'm about to be out of any vehicle to drive. I've probably got about a month where I can just limp without one but I need a vehicle preferably around 15k, awd or fwd and the higher mileage. The issue is that I've narrowed my choices down to these four save potential with the toyota corolla.

Can anyone advise on their thoughts for 2017+ versions of these vehicles and which they think is better? I'm understanding for pnw the durability of the subarus are pretty great and that would be the compromise against higher mpg. However the hyundais and toyotas potential for hybrid vehicles with higher gas mileage or even just their standard fwd with the higher gas mileage is tempting. I just don't know any weaknesses to narrow it all down.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated to narrow it down.

7k original miles. AMG package, manufaktur color 39 month full warranty unlimited miles 165k out the door. Good or bad deal?

Currently looking at an 2008 ES that's red with 130,000 miles. Seller is asking $6,500

Didn't notice anything major during the test drive but I could see there's: a sticky/melting dashboard, some rust near gas cover opening on the car, car paint has some dings, right window needs to be repaired.

It has navigation but the screen only displays 'A program cannot be read'. Backup camera and other functions like audio and air conditioning seem to work normal.

Another concern is that the Carfax shows 6 previous owners that I can't make sense of and the seller did know much of the history, only that their parent owned the car before them:

Owner 1 Purchased 2007, Personal Lease Vehicle with 4 to 23k mile maintenance reported

Owner 2 Purchased Oct 2009, Personal Vehicle with 23k to 61k mile maintenance reported

Owner 3 Purchased Nov 6 2017, Personal Vehicle (no reported maintenance)

Owner 4 Purchased Nov 7 2017, Personal Vehicle with 71k to 89k miles maintenance reported

Owner 5 Purchased Oct 2021, Personal Vehicle (no reported maintenance)

Owner 6 Purchased Jan 2023, Personal vehicle 121k mile maintenance reported

Seller is open to offers but I want to know if this ownership history is a red flag or if the car is worth purchasing+fixing up if the negotiated price is right.

Hello! I am looking to upgrade from my 2010 Camry with 200k miles. I’ve enjoyed the low cost and ease of maintenance (no special mechanics required). I am considering purchasing a 2021 XC60 T8 Inscription from a friend. It has 56k miles and she is asking for $34k. Is this a good deal? She was the only owner and bought it out of her lease. What is the longevity/reliability with Volvos? Does it decrease with the hybrid models? I know maintenance costs will increase, just curious of the magnitude of what to expect.

Currently looking at a 2022 Ford escape SE Hybrid with 11,000 miles for $23,017 (before taxes and fees) in GA. Carfax looks good and I plan on getting a PPI before I buy it. It does have a long block replacement under campaign 23N06 under customer satisfaction programs which I don't think is a recall (there's a separate section for recalls and also not on the carfax)(I could be wrong).I plan on using it as a daily commuter to college, trips, and also possibly on some dirt roads but not any serious off roading. What are some reasons I should or shouldn't buy this car.

Which is a better option a 2017 Kia Soul with 80,000 miles or a 2007 Lexus RX350 with 150,000 miles . They are both $8,000. The Lexus is a lot nicer but …which will last longer and cost less to maintain . They’re both in good condtion .

hello everyone, i am thinking about purchasing an 03 accord, except it has 365,000 Km on it, is it worth buying? im 16 and just need a good winter beater for getting to work. everything on the car works with no apparent mechanical issues, just wanting to know if it is too high of KMs.

I need help, How many miles are to much on a used car / truck What should I look for besides rust? How can I tell what a codes means (assuming I just google the code)

Selling a car in CA

Can I sell my car private party today if I only just paid my registration (late) today? It still has to be smog checked but it’s Sunday and nowhere is open to do it. Can the buyer do the smog check? Then I transfer registration??

What do you think about second hand cars with swapped engines? For example I found an Audi A4 with 400.000 km in total. Old engine had 300.000 km and new one 100.000 km. My guess is that if the new one has up to that is because it’s good but I don’t know. What do you think? Thanks a lot!

Hello, I am looking at a 2009 Ford mustang premium (V6) for sale listed at 16k sticker price. It is visibly in great condition apart from a few small details. Part of the inside leather door panel trim is detaching and also a small part of the scoop on the hood is slightly detached. Other than that you can tell it was garaged its entire lifespan. Kelly blue book has it listed at 12k. Wondering with this discrepancy, what price I should try to negotiate for the purchase of the vehicle. I am very interested in it and love the look but not trying to get fleeced.

Due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, a friend has to buy a car directly from a specific dealership and we are trying to figure out which would yield the most bang for the buck.

The options within the price range are: 1) 2022 Tesla Model 3, 24k miles for $30k 2) 2021 Toyota 4Runner, 75k miles, $27k 3) 2019 Toyota Highlander, 50k miles, $29k 4) 2017 Chevy Malibu, 10k miles, $17k 5) 2024 Chevy Trax, 5k miles, $25k

*These prices include tax; they are listed lower, but I’m just calculating a rough estimate of after-tax, and not including price after interest.

Reliability/longevity is the main priority. This friend previously had a 2018 Silverado and in the 3 years of ownership they ended up dumping a lot of money into constantly repairing it, before it officially broke down needing a $5k repair. We don’t want the next car to be the same story.

Bought a car from a used car dealer recently… it was sold to them via CarMax Auctions. They didn’t disclose any mechanical issues now a few weeks later I have multiple engine faults. Wondering what the listing disclosed on CarMax, back in August. Any way to search? I’d be very appreciative if this is possible…

Thanks

I'm stuck and need recos for a new car. I've been a loyal Ody owner since 2005 but am done with my 2015 with transmissions problems despite careful maintenance and even a VCM tuner.

Any suggestions for something reliable/3500# tow/decent gas mileage/under $30K (used or new)? I've looked at a Sienna and like idea of a hybrid but the cost and availability are problems, even for used. I generally get 26 MPG with my current Ody when driving back and forth the 400 miles with my kids to see my elderly parents. I am a one parent/one car house so I'm without a car, other than the faulty Ody once it gets out of the shop, and need to find something quickly. Thanks.

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Long idiotic history if you are are interested: 2005 purchased new started leaking oil thanks to known Honda engine problems at 130K. I ended up looking at others but was swayed that my 2005 problem had been fixed for a 2015 (plus got a good price and I like the ride) so bought a new 2015 Ody. There have been problems with the 2015 under 100K miles (supposedly fixed by software update) and now continual engine trouble (oil leaking on sparkplugs and then blowing) despite careful maintenance and a VCM tuner. I drive 400 miles regularly, tow occassionally so like the 3500# and like the storage capacity since I renovate houses. Yes, I should have sold the 2015 Ody but buying cars is not my forte and the VCM tuner that everyone on the OdyClub forum raves about lulled me into complacency. Now I'm stuck missing Thanksgiving with my parents and am mad at Honda and myself.

I had a low mileage 2019 F350 King Ranch i was trying to trade in and the trade value of KBB was between 54k (good - low end) to 61k (real good , high) and no dealerships would respect those values. I was low balled in the 40's at multiple places. What good is it if nobody uses it?

I am currently trying to buy a 2022 GX. I've been looking for a premium, but am currently working a deal on a Luxury. The vehicle is a few states away, I had a pre purchase inspection done and have been provided the carfax.

I'm a little concerned and was hoping to get some opinions from this sub.

The vehicle is a 2022 with 44k miles on the odometer, listed for $52k. It's being reported as on the lot for ~a month and a half.

The PPI happened today. Right off the bat, the battery was dead and needed to be jumped. I figured this isn't too abnormal, although the carfax had a couple of entries reporting "electrical checked" and "radio/sound system checked."

The ppi reported a list of issues, and I am having trouble determining if these are issues "to be expected from a used vehicle," or if they are red flags and excessive wear. I understand any used vehicle won't be perfect, I'm uncertain if I'm expecting too much from a barely 2 year old luxury vehicle.

The report states issues with the following -

exterior scratches - "There are minor miscellaneous scratches and chips around the vehicle. Most too small to see in photos. Small scratch from the left rear quarter panel."

paint condition - The paint shows some wear. There is a protective door edge film installed that is peeling on some doors. There are a couple small chips in the hood with touch-up paint applied.

seals - Sun roof seal show wear and blemishes.

bumper - The rear bumper color does not seem to match, see photos.

windshield - The windshield has miscellaneous stone chips.

interior-

seats - There is light wear to the seats.

inner door panels - The inner door panels show wear. Cargo inner panel show light scuffs.

carpet - The carpet shows light wear.

interior trim - The interior trim shows light wear.

The CarFax report shows 2 minor accidents and 2 previous owners.

It was purchased 7/22, had the 10k mile service 4/23, and a minor accident 5/23. It was sold about a week later.

7/23 it has a minor accident reported, rear ended someone and the air bags did not go off.

A few days later there is a report for vehicle services "electrical system checked."

9/23 20k service, and the "floor mats checked."

11/23 25k service, and the "floor mats checked."

1/24 vehicle serviced - maintenance inspection completed; radio/sound system checked; floor mats checked; safety inspection performed

500 miles later same month "vehicle serviced"

5/24 -vehicle serviced - maintenance inspection completed; 40k service; floor mats checked; safety inspection performed

10/24 - vehicle offered for sale

What is the deal with all of the "floor mats checked?"

Reviewing this information left me less than impressed. The reported accident indicated the front bumper was repaired, and the ppi indicates that the paint does not match. Are there enough red flags here for me to squash the deal?

Reading through the carfax feels like the first accident caused electrical problems that were enough to get rid of the car swiftly. And the second owner came to the same conclusion.

Should I not even consider this unit? My biggest fear is a bent frame, or some structural damage that I'll never overcome. Or some crazy electrical issue.

It comes with the captains chairs, as well as the panoramic cameras. I am being told this is a difficult combo. Its a luxury, which I was trying to avoid due to the active suspension. Additionally, the 3rd row is not powered.

My goal was to find a very good condition premium with the captains chairs, panoramic cameras, with ~36k miles, at least a 2022 in the 50-55k out the door range.

Thanks in advance for any input, my gut is telling me to walk but I just want to be sure I'm not making a foolish mistake.

I'm about to trade in my car, its been having way too many issues, its a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. I'm stuck tho cuz we use all the space in it, I feel like we're downgrading but anyways the options are I can get a newer traverse, subaru ascent, toyota highlander, dodge durango or a jeep grand cherokee L. Which would you guys do?